New Delhi: Uttarakhand — also known as the Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods — is home to many temples and welcomes devotees from all around the world all year round. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most important yantras, and most devotees visit the Char Dham — the four holy sites.
The Char Dham Yatra 2025 began on April 30. The Char Dhams are Yamnotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Like the immense importance of these four dams, the sacred rivers that flow in this Char Dham also have great significance. Ganga, Yamuna, Mandakini, and Alaknanda are not just the lifelines of millions of people in India; they also speak much about the spirituality known in age-old mythology.
The Yamunotri temple is located in a narrow gorge near the start of the River Yamuna, the second-most sacred river in India after the Ganga. This temple is devoted to Goddess Yamuna. In the Uttarkashi district, you can also find the Gangotri temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred river. In the Rudraprayag district, there is Kedarnath, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath is home to the Badrinarayan Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Let us explore more about the rivers that flow through these four pilgrimage sites.
The Ganga is the most sacred river for many Hindus. It stretches 2,525 kilometres through Northern India and is a lifeline for millions. People believe its water can wash away sins and grant salvation.
The Yamuna is the second holiest river. It flows through major cities like Agra and Delhi, symbolising love and devotion. Stories of Lord Krishna add to its significance.
The Mandakini rises from the glaciers of Kedarnath and has very clear water. Hindus value this river for its ability to detoxify a person’s aura, regardless of past actions.
The Alaknanda serves as a source of energy in the Char Dham area. It begins in the high mountains and connects to many temples that devotees visit for blessings. Each of these rivers tells a unique story in India’s spiritual heritage.
The Journey of the Chardham Yatra: A Pilgrimage Along These Rivers
The Char Dham yatra is a sacred journey that feels like a beautiful painting across the snowy Himalayas. Pilgrims undertake this journey for blessings and spiritual growth.
They feel connected to ancient history as they walk along the Ganga, Yamuna, Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers. Many recite mantras and say prayers at countless temples.
Each destination, from Yamunotri to Gangotri and Kedarnath to Badrinath, offers distinct beauty. It feels as if faith flows through each river.
Trekking through stunning landscapes adds to the journey. There is nothing as lovely as appreciating the beauty of nature and the world around us.
Yamunotri and Yamuna
Yamunotri is close to the Yamuna River because it is of religious importance to Hinduism. The Yamuna is seen as a goddess and symbolises purity and divine protection. The temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna is at the river’s source, marking the start of its journey.
Gangotri and Ganga
Gangotri is a sacred place near the Ganges River. It is believed that the River Ganga started at Gangotri and has its true source at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, which is 19 km away. This belief and stories of King Bhagiratha’s penance make Gangotri a special location for pilgrims seeking purification and spiritual freedom.
Kedarnath and Mandakini
Kedarnath is near the Mandakini River, which connects to the Ganges in Hindu mythology. People believe the Mandakini flows directly from the Ganges, adding to the temple’s holiness. The temple is said to have been built by the Pandavas to honour Lord Shiva, and its location by the Mandakini is significant. The Mandakini River is also called Kali Ganga. It flows from the Chorabari Glacier near the Kedarnath Temple and meets the Alaknanda River at Rudraprayag.
Badrinath and Alaknanda
Badrinath is located near the Alaknanda River because Adi Shankaracharya discovered the deity’s black stone idol in the river in the 8th century. He then placed it in a nearby cave and built a temple around it, marking Badrinath as an important Hindu pilgrimage site.
